102 teams to compete in South Zone inter-university women’s badminton tournament in Hubballi

A total of 102 university teams from six southern States will participate in the South Zone Inter-University Women’s Badminton Tournament 2026 to be hosted by KLE Technological University in Hubballi from October 18 to 21.

Tournament organising secretary Vijaykumar Nimbagal said the tournament, being held under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities, would be conducted at the Dr. Prabhakar Kore Sports Arena on the university campus.

Karnataka will field 38 teams, followed by Tamil Nadu (26), Andhra Pradesh (20), Kerala (10), Telangana (seven), and Puducherry (one).

As per the tournament’s rules, four teams that qualified for last year’s All India Inter-University Championship have been given direct entry into the quarterfinals. They are KLEF University, Vaddeswaram; Jain Deemed-to-be University, Bengaluru; Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai.

The teams are expected to arrive on October 17. The university has arranged transport from the railway station, bus stand, and airport, besides accommodation in its hostels for over 500 participants and 150 team officials. A cultural programme will be held that evening.

The opening day will feature 66 matches, covering the first two rounds. The subsequent rounds and pre-quarterfinals will be held on October 19, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals on October 20. The final is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 21.

Officials of the Karnataka State Badminton Association will assist in conducting the matches. A team of 50 organising committee members and 100 student volunteers and secretaries will oversee arrangements, including registration, accommodation, transport, and match management.